The Best Private Schools in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Upper Marlboro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Beddow Schools - Fort Washington Campus
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools has been serving Prince George's County families for over four decades with a comprehensive Montessori-based educational approach. The Fort Washington campus serves Upper Marlboro families with exceptional early childhood and elementary programs. The school features state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated Montessori-trained teachers, and a strong emphasis on individualized learning. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and excellent teacher-student ratios. The campus includes modern facilities with dedicated art, music, and outdoor learning spaces.
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The Rock Creek School
Independent
Located in nearby Bowie, The Rock Creek School serves Upper Marlboro families with a comprehensive Montessori program from early childhood through middle school. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, experienced faculty, and beautiful campus setting. Programs emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking, and character development. The school features extensive facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Parent reviews highlight the school's excellent communication, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded educational approach that prepares students for high school and beyond.
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St. Mary of the Assumption School
Archdiocese of Washington
St. Mary of the Assumption School is a highly-regarded Catholic school located directly in Upper Marlboro, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs, including dedicated STEM curriculum and technology integration. With small class sizes and experienced educators, the school provides personalized attention and a strong sense of community. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, library, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's safe environment, academic excellence, and strong values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
Upper Marlboro, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though many top-rated options are in nearby communities, requiring consideration of a short commute. Key schools include The Beddow Schools - Fort Washington Campus (approx. 15 min drive), known for its Montessori-based early childhood program and college-prep curriculum. The Rock Creek School in Forestville (approx. 20 min drive) offers a supportive environment with small class sizes for students with diverse learning needs. St. Mary of the Assumption School in Upper Marlboro itself is a prominent Catholic K-8 option providing a faith-based education. Parents in Upper Marlboro often also consider excellent private academies in surrounding Prince George's County and the broader DC metro area, making school visits and assessing commute times essential parts of the decision process.
How does tuition for private schools in the Upper Marlboro, MD, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available to Maryland residents?
Tuition in the Upper Marlboro area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Mary's typically range from $8,000 to $12,000 annually for K-8. Independent schools like The Beddow Schools may range from $15,000 to $25,000. Maryland offers specific financial aid opportunities that Upper Marlboro residents can leverage. The most notable is the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-eligible families with funds to attend qualified nonpublic schools. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Upper Marlboro families that capitalize on the local Maryland environment?
Private schools serving the Upper Marlboro community often integrate Maryland's rich cultural, historical, and scientific resources into their programs. Many, including St. Mary of the Assumption, emphasize Maryland history and frequent field trips to state landmarks like Historic St. Mary's City or the Patuxent River Park. Schools with college-prep focuses may have strong STEM partnerships with nearby Andrews Air Force Base or the University of Maryland. Furthermore, the proximity to Washington, D.C., allows for robust civic education programs, with trips to the Capitol and museums being a staple. Extracurriculars often include equestrian programs (reflecting Upper Marlboro's equestrian community), environmental science focusing on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and competitive athletics within the Maryland Independent Schools Athletic League.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in and around Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Upper Marlboro-area private schools generally begins in the fall, with open houses from September to November. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in January or February, with admission decisions and financial aid awards communicated by March. Schools like St. Mary of the Assumption may give priority to parish members and siblings of current students. The competitiveness varies: popular parish schools may have waiting lists for certain grades, while independent schools have selective processes involving entrance exams (like the ISEE), student interviews, and previous school records. Given the limited number of schools within Upper Marlboro proper, applying to multiple options in the wider region is a common strategy, and early inquiry is strongly recommended.
For families considering the choice between Upper Marlboro's public schools (in Prince George's County) and local private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
The decision between Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) and private options in Upper Marlboro involves several key considerations. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specialized curricula (e.g., Montessori, faith-based, or learning support). They may also have more flexibility in programming and less bureaucracy. PGCPS, however, provides a tuition-free education, extensive transportation, and a diverse student population. For Upper Marlboro families, specific private school advantages can include a consistent K-8 model (avoiding PGCPS's middle school transitions), distinct values-based education, and often a longer school day with integrated extracurriculars. The choice frequently hinges on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, community environment, and budget, weighing the investment in private tuition against the offerings of their specific zoned public school.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Schools Near Upper Marlboro, MD: A Parent's Guide to Local Education
As a parent in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the search for the right educational environment for your child is deeply personal and often begins with the simple yet crucial question of finding quality “private schools around me.” This community, with its blend of suburban comfort and proximity to the resources of Washington D.C., offers a distinctive landscape for private education. Your search isn't just about a list of institutions; it's about finding a school that aligns with your family's values, your child's unique needs, and the practical realities of life in Prince George’s County. The good news is that within and near our community, you’ll find options that provide compelling alternatives to the public school system, each with its own character and strengths.
When considering private schools around you, it’s essential to look beyond the name and delve into the educational philosophy and community feel. For instance, St. Mary of the Assumption School provides a long-standing Catholic education rooted in faith and tradition, a choice many Upper Marlboro families value for its structured environment and moral foundation. Meanwhile, a school like The Rock Creek School, though a short drive away, might appeal to parents seeking a more progressive, project-based learning approach that fosters individual creativity and critical thinking. Then there are institutions like The Beddow Schools - Fort Washington Campus, which offer a specialized focus, potentially catering to specific learning styles or providing a particular academic rigor. The key is to identify what “fit” means for your child—whether it’s small class sizes, a strong STEM program, robust arts, or a particular religious framework.
The local context of Upper Marlboro significantly shapes this decision. Our location means you have access to the rich historical and cultural sites of Maryland, which many private schools integrate into their curricula through field trips and local partnerships. However, it also means considering commute times along routes like Pennsylvania Avenue (MD-4) or Central Avenue (MD-214), especially if looking at schools in neighboring Fort Washington or other parts of the county. The traffic patterns are a real factor in daily life. Furthermore, the community-oriented spirit of Upper Marlboro itself is something to seek in a school. Does the school feel like an extension of the supportive, family-focused atmosphere you value here? Attending open houses and school fairs, often held locally, is the best way to gauge this intangible quality.
Ultimately, your exploration of private schools around you in Upper Marlboro is a journey toward partnership. The ideal school will act as a collaborator in your child’s development. Start by scheduling tours, asking pointed questions about teacher qualifications, student support services, and where graduates typically go for high school or college. Talk to other Upper Marlboro parents at community centers or local events; personal testimonials are invaluable. Remember, the right choice is one where your child feels challenged, supported, and excited to learn. By taking a thoughtful, localized approach to your search, you can find an educational setting in our area that doesn’t just teach your child but truly understands and nurtures their potential, right here in our corner of Maryland.
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